Ronaldo sideshow threatens Portugal at World Cup
Portugal boss Fernando Santos has refuted suggestions that he is “forced” to start captain Cristiano Ronaldo in each game at this year’s World Cup, which starts on Sunday.
Ronaldo became the most prolific international goal scorer of all-time last year and has netted a staggering 117 in 191 caps for Portugal – no other player has netted triple figures for their nation. Just three months shy of his 38th birthday, Ronaldo has remained a mainstay in his side.
Not only does the Manchester United forward captain his nation but he has been an undisputed starter for Portugal throughout his career and appears likely to win his 200th cap next year, as he aims to continue playing for the nation until 2024.
When asked at a press conference on Wednesday if he was forced to play Ronaldo, Portugal boss Santos responded: “Forced? This is not about forcing me. This is not a requirement. No one is forced to do anything here. The question could be, you could ask me, based on what Cristiano Ronaldo did [in recent weeks on the pitch] should he start?
“This is valid for Cristiano Ronaldo and all the players who are with the national team. If the head coach is forced to put a player in the XI…there aren’t those things here.” This follows Ronaldo’s bombshell interview with Piers Morgan in which he accused club United of betrayal and trying to force him out. United may be in a position to tear up the superstar’s contract if they are advised under employment law that his behaviour is a serious enough breach of discipline. However, Santos dismissed suggestions this could create a distraction for Portugal at the tournament: “This issue isn’t related to us, it isn’t related to the national team. The man, the player, decided to give an interview like other athletes and decided to discuss personal matters,” he said.
“This doesn’t spill out to the national team, as far as I know, he didn’t talk about the national team, so it’s a personal interview, which we need to respect. These days tolerance is a buzz word and we need to respect what others think and say, provided it doesn’t impact what I do.
“None of my players have made a comment regarding the interview, at all. Cristiano Ronaldo is a free man. The buzz and discussion [around him] are taking place outside the national team. It doesn’t impact us.”
Portugal has plenty of attacking options aside from Ronaldo with his club teammate Bruno Fernandes being joined in a strong list of players including Diogo Jota, Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao and Joao Felix – so alternatives to the superstar are available.